Should i give birth at Derriford hospital

[Mumblingmum]

Hello all, I had a baby nearly 4 years ago at derriford and although most of the staff were nice, I had a very traumatic birth due to a few reasons. Mostly because they were very understaffed.
I then had a late miscarriage there 3 years later and had a completely different experience, although it was a really hard time emotionally, the staff and the level of care was incredible.
I'm now 15 weeks pregnant and wondered if anyone had any recent experience of giving birth at derriford? I'm high risk so will have to be in hospital but there's not many options down here.
I can't help but remember all the awful things that happened with my first birth e.g. no labour ward available until 6cm, meaning no pain relief. But I'm desperately hoping it has changed.
Thanks in advance 🙂

Hiya! I’m probably due around the same time as you as I’m almost 20 weeks. im due to deliver at derriford too. No experience unfortunately as this is my first but I’m quite worried about the same things!

Hi! Congratulations! And really hope it goes well for you! Hopefully someone will reassure us with an amazing birth story 😀

I’ve no experience of Derriford but I gave birth in Exeter just over a year ago. My waters broke on the Thursday afternoon and contractions started around the same time. I went in on the Friday first thing and was 5cm. But not progressing although still contracting. They couldn’t then fit me into the labour suite until the Saturday morning to go onto the drip where they left me for 12 hours before forceps. So I’m not sure it’s any better between the two hospitals, if that were your other option.
Im 23 weeks with my second and bricking it about giving birth again!

So sorry to hear this @Pixieandpip 😔sounds fairly similar to my experience. Yes Exeter was my next nearest hospital option. I think its a bit hit and miss depending on how busy it is wherever you go, but definitely doesn't sound like I'd be better off there anyway 😳

I gave birth there and they were fantastic. I had a long labour and they were v supportive with my wish to have no pain relief.

Derriford were wonderful in my experience. I was induced and like you had to wait for space on the labour ward after induction which was frustrating. Once I was on the labour ward and drip I had incredible midwives who dealt with a challenging birth exceptionally.

Thank you @Peaches2020 and @Shadesofscarlett that's encouraging 😊

I had my son there in 2021 and the midwives were just lovely through my induction. But I had to spend 4 nights after on the transitional care ward (which is the hottest place I've ever been in) prepare for roasting hot post natal wards. I slept maybe 4 hours in total during the 4 nights I was there. The night staff generally were not the best but not horrible

The food is AWFUL 😂